ibsc

While young men and boys can and do excel in many types of educational institutions, schools for boys focus with intention on learning that addresses not only how to excel in academics but also how to grow into a young man of integrity and empathy.

As the only boys-only boarding school in Scotland, it is an important part of what makes Merchiston special and a factor in our academic and sporting excellence. It helps provides a safe, nurturing and collegiate environment where your son can grow into a confident, purposeful and charming young man, qualities for which Merchiston boys are well known.

Our extensive links with our partner schools means your son can enjoy an active and fulfilling social life – it really is the best of both worlds.

Before I came to Merchiston I wondered if a boys-only school would be insular and suffocating. The reality couldn’t have been more different. You get to know people for who they really are, building friendships twice as quickly as you would somewhere else. At the same time, the boys-only environment really helps with lessons and sport. We sometimes enjoy being competitive but you get much less acting up or feelings of insecurity than in a mixed environment. Socially we also really benefit – conversation and humour is light-hearted and relaxed, with none of the negative aspects you sometimes see in a mixed environment.

The Merchiston boys-only environment is very relaxed – when I arrived I was surprised how normal it all felt. We can really focus on work, sports and interests, without having to worry about much else - and socially it really doesn’t have a great impact as there are some many opportunities with our partner schools.

Boarding at Merchiston is great fun, and I would recommend anyone to try it. You make lifelong friends as you progress through school and it teaches you valuable social skills for later life. There is none of the bravado which boys put on when girls are around, and we can really focus on our studies. The social skills we learn here are very easily transferable and you’re certainly not missing out. Boys-only schools can offer a different type of experience to co-ed: many pupils will find a single sex environment very beneficial, like I have.

At Merchiston you make really close friends as you live around them all the time. Everyone can be themselves as there are no girls to impress – lessons are much more productive than in my last school.

While young men and boys can and do excel in many types of educational institutions, schools for boys focus with intention on learning that addresses not only how to excel in academics but also how to grow into a young man of integrity and empathy.